ESA uses cookies to track visits to our website only, no personal information is collected. By continuing to use the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. OKFind out more about our cookie policy.

Gaia People

Michael Perryman

European Space Agency

Michael Perryman was co-proposer of Gaia in 1994 (with Lennart Lindegren). He was ESA's study scientist until mission selection in 2000, and subsequently project scientist until the project entered Phase B2 in February 2006. During this period, as chair of the Gaia Science Team, he was the interface between the ESA study/project team and the scientific community, with overall responsibility for the scientific aspects of the mission. He guided it through the early decision processes, the design phase, and assisted with the setting up of the data analysis organisation and concepts. He joined the European Space Agency in 1980. Soon afterwards he was nominated as project scientist for Hipparcos, a position he held until the end of the project in 1997, combining this with the role of project manager during the satellite operational phase. He remains an enthusiastic advocate of the scientific goals of this exciting mission.